Microsoft 365 Automation for Accountants
Automation ideas for accountants and bookkeeping firms that want to reduce document chasing, onboarding admin and deadline reminders.
Spend less time chasing and more time advising
TechBuddy helps accountants and bookkeepers automate repeat admin using Microsoft 365, Power Automate and Power Apps.
Accountancy firms handle a lot of repeatable admin. Client onboarding, document requests, missing information, internal approvals, deadline reminders and status updates all need structure. When those jobs live across email threads and spreadsheets, work becomes harder to track and easier to miss.
Microsoft 365 automation can reduce that friction without forcing the firm into a heavy custom software project. SharePoint can hold structured process data, Power Automate can send reminders and notifications, and Power Apps can give staff a simple interface for internal workflows.
TechBuddy designs lightweight systems for firms that want better visibility and less manual chasing. The goal is to make the admin process clear, consistent and easier to manage.
Common problems I fix
- Client document chasing handled manually
- Onboarding checklists spread across emails and spreadsheets
- Deadline reminders dependent on individual memory
- Approval tasks scattered across inboxes
- No clear view of missing information by client
- Recurring client communications written from scratch
How TechBuddy helps
We map one high-friction admin process and identify where Microsoft 365 can make it more reliable. The first build is usually focused: one tracker, one workflow, one set of reminders or one internal app.
For example, a client onboarding workflow might track forms, ID checks, missing documents, engagement letters and internal sign-offs. Staff can update the status, while automated reminders help keep the process moving.
We design with confidentiality and control in mind, using sensible permissions and clear ownership for each workflow.
Example automations for accountants
Practical workflows that reduce repeated admin and improve visibility.
Client onboarding workflow
Track forms, documents, ID checks, internal review and next steps in a structured workflow instead of relying on email memory.
Document request reminders
Automatically chase missing documents or information at sensible intervals, with a clear record of what has been requested and received.
Internal approval tracker
Keep partner, manager or team decisions visible with status, owner, comments and timestamps for audit history.
Why this matters for smaller firms
Small accountancy and bookkeeping firms often do not need a huge workflow platform. They need the repeated admin to be less dependent on one person remembering to chase the next step.
Microsoft 365 can provide a practical middle ground. It keeps the workflow close to the tools staff already use, while adding structure, reminders and reporting where the manual process currently breaks down.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers for accountants and bookkeepers considering automation.
What can accountants automate with Microsoft 365?
Accountants can automate client onboarding, document requests, deadline reminders, internal approvals and recurring client communications.
Can automation help with document chasing?
Yes. Power Automate can send structured reminders, track missing items and keep a clear audit trail of follow-ups.
Is this suitable for small accountancy firms?
Yes. TechBuddy designs lightweight workflows that fit smaller firms before adding complexity.
Good first projects for accountancy firms
The strongest first automation is usually a process that repeats for every client or every deadline. Client onboarding, missing document requests, internal review sign-offs and recurring reminders are ideal because the steps are predictable and the benefit is easy to see.
A starter workflow might track each client, required documents, responsible staff member, status, due date and next reminder. Power Automate can then send follow-ups, notify the team and keep a record of what has been chased.
TechBuddy keeps the system lightweight so it supports the firm rather than creating another admin burden. The result is a clearer workload, fewer lost requests and a better experience for both staff and clients.
Better client visibility without heavy software
For accountancy firms, small process gaps can become expensive at busy times. If documents are missing, approvals are unclear or deadlines are tracked manually, the team spends more time chasing than progressing work.
A lightweight Microsoft 365 workflow helps standardise those repeat steps. Staff can see what each client still needs to provide, managers can see bottlenecks, and reminders can happen automatically instead of relying on memory.
Accountancy automation starter packages
Reduce document chasing and keep client work moving.
Client Onboarding Tracker
Typical range: £1,200–£1,800
Track forms, ID checks, engagement letters, missing documents, owner and status for each new client.
Document Chasing Workflow
Typical range: £950–£1,500
Send structured reminders, record follow-ups and highlight missing information before deadlines become painful.
Internal Review Tracker
Typical range: £750–£1,200
Keep manager or partner review decisions visible with comments, timestamps and status updates.
Example outcome
A firm can see which clients have outstanding documents, who owns the next follow-up and when reminders were sent. Staff spend less time hunting through inboxes and more time progressing the actual work.
The workflow gives structure without forcing the firm into a heavy practice management replacement project.
Accountancy firm with repeat admin?
Use the free audit to identify one process worth improving first.